Driver handed parking fine outside his own home and fumes at 'scandalous' rule

02 February 2024 , 23:58

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Fraser Campbell is one of the first people to be hit with the new fine

A driver issued with a pavement parking fine outside his home under new laws has branded the charge "scandalous".

Fraser Campbell claims Edinburgh City Council officials gave insufficient warning to residents ahead of new parking rules in the city. He was slapped with a £100 fine after leaving his motor outside his home in the Morningside area.

He said: "The council wardens in their wisdom are now issuing tickets for this sort of parking. Absolutely scandalous. Something that needs to be highlighted to everyone. Not even a leaflet drop to warn anyone. Immediate £100 fine. Heartless money grabbers. About another 20/25 other cars issued a similar ticket. I've raised a challenge against it. No leaflet drop, warning or anything."

The pavement parking ban was officially adopted on January 29, with drivers parked on a pavement, double parked or parked at crossing points given a £100 fine. The rules are aimed at ensuring the safety of those getting around, and stopping pavements becoming more narrow for those with prams or in wheelchairs.

The £100 fine is reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Emergency services, medical practitioners, and certain delivery drivers and collectors will be exempt in some situations, reports EdinburghLive.

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The council added: "The new rules do not apply to parking at driveways, garages or property entrances. However, if there's an existing restriction already in place, such as a single yellow line, this will still apply. However, you should not park on the pavement outside your driveway as this could still be enforced."

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: "Every driver is responsible for parking their vehicles considerately, and where this would not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road. We brought the pavement parking ban in to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or pushing buggies.

"We're already hearing from people who really appreciate clearer, wider pavements and who no longer need to walk on the road as a result of the ban. In the lead-up to the changes we promoted the new rules in the press, on social media and as part of a major national campaign, while parking attendants issued more than 2000 warning notices on cars parked on pavements.

"This is in addition to targeting streets where pavement parking is a real issue by writing to residents and implementing on-street advertising. The fact that compliance shot up to more than 90% in the weeks leading up to enforcement beginning demonstrates increased awareness amongst the public."

You can find out more about the new parking rules here.

Lee Dalgetty